Off to A Great Start

I had such a wonderful day today! Two special conversations were recorded for upcoming episodes of the Catholic Moments podcast. The first was with Deacon Tom Fox and Deacon Chuck Stevens for an upcoming show on the permanent diaconate. Deacon Tom feels like such a special friend – his “Deacon Moments” for the show are like a warm hug once a week! So it was a treat to have an extended time of conversation with him, learning about his path to his current vocation. And of course I have been friends online with Deacon Chuck Stevens since even before I had to call him “Deacon”! I remember so vividly those days when Chuck was in formation and I prayed for him and his family so regularly. I hope to take him up on his offer to visit him in Canada some day soon. And be sure to check out his gift to all of us, a new CD entitled “Harvest of Love” available for free download on his website.

There’s nothing like starting your week off with a personal counseling session with two holy deacons and a coach/time management expert. Following these chats, my workout, and some time in the word and prayer, I wrote in my journal, “I feel new, clean and whole today!” Some of that motivation came from Jesus’ promise in today’s Gospel reading:

“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.
And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning.”

I know that His words were addressed to His disciples, but what a joy it is to know that His advocate has been sent to you and I as well, and that the Holy Spirit can be so present in our own lives. It’s our job and our joy to join them in testifying to His great love and many blessings. Today, that burden feels light and precious.

Stay tuned to the podcast for these conversations and more. In the mean time, I hope your day was wonderful too!

About Author

Lisa M. Hendey is the founder and editor of CatholicMom.com and the bestselling author of the Chime Travelers children's fiction series, The Grace of Yes, The Handbook for Catholic Moms and A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms. As a board member and frequent host on KNXT Catholic Television, Lisa has produced and hosted multiple programs and has appeared on EWTN and CatholicTV. Hendey hosted “Catholic Moments” on Radio Maria and is the technology contributor for EWTN’s SonRise Morning Show. Lisa's articles have appeared in Catholic Digest, National Catholic Register, and Our Sunday Visitor. Hendey travels internationally giving workshops on faith, family, and Catholic technology and communications topics. She was selected as an Elizabeth Egan Journalism Fellow, attended the Vatican Bloggers Meeting, the “Bishops and Bloggers” meeting and has written internationally on the work of Catholic Relief Services and Unbound. Hendey lives with her family in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Visit Lisa at www.LisaHendey.com for information on her speaking schedule or to invite her to visit your group, parish or organization.